Elspeth is coming in only 10 days! We went to the doctor yesterday and everything is looking great. She was extremely active during our office visit and made everyone smile, including Dr. Sheridan.
Elspeth is my best birthday gift. She has made this past year the most incredible adventure. I have had such a wonderful pregnancy, no major aches and pains, no morning sickness, etc. She is the best baby a mother could ask for. Today I can say that I have everything I have ever wanted for my birthday...a wonderful husband and a beautiful daughter. I am truly blessed.
I can best describe the emotional side of the pregancy as an "emotional marathon". I have never enjoyed running, and the best I have ever ran was a 5k, but what I do know about running is that the most difficult part of a marathon is the last few miles. Ryan and I are on the last few emotional miles of this pregnancy marathon and we are feeling the wear and tear of a long road. We have learned so much about ourselves. Marathon runners run hundreds of miles in preparation for their races. Ryan and I have "trained" for this pregnancy is a very different way. We have good parents who taught us to trust in our Heavenly Father and they showed us how to go to Him in prayer since we were small children. We have studied the scriptures and found comfort in the passages left by prophets of God. Ryan and I have relied on our faith and fortitude built up from many years through this time. We have been sustained and lifted up because of it. People may wonder why I can smile and laugh during this time and I can tell you that I know it's because I know that I am a child of God, He loves me. He knows who I am by name and Elspeth is one of His most precious daughters. I have felt the loving arms of my Savior around me as I have prayed for my daughter. I am so thankful for this testimony, to know who I am and to understand my eternal goals. I know that Ryan and I will be reunited with our daughter again someday and our joy will be so sweet when we get to see her perfected body along with her perfect spirit that we feel now.
Thank you everyone for your birthday wishes. You have all helped to make this day special for my little family.
How beautifully put! I love that marathon analogy. You guys are true athletes now, aren't you?
ReplyDeletecutest pregnant-lady-with-a-cupcake photo ever!
ReplyDeleteand a beautifully-written testimony. you are an inspiration.
xoxo,
Happy Bithday..this year was also my 29th birthday on May 4th and I was sad that was my last 20's. Thanks to friends and family that remind me that the age is onle just a number..Love you. Thank you for you strong testimony. Have fun having your baby, I know sounds crazy but that help you to do it. Don't be scare..
ReplyDeleteFound your story through Celeste's blog. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. What a wonderful reminder of how precious every life is. Elspeth could not be more blessed to have two faithful parents. Best wishes for a safe and uneventful delivery.
ReplyDeleteI do believe my life is just a little bit richer from having "met" you, Ryan and beautiful Elspeth today. Your strong faith is incredibly inspiring and your beauty is so much more than skin deep (you are completely radiant, my dear!). Elspeth has the very best parents a girl could ask for. I am sending up all kinds prayers for a beautiful birth experience for all three of you. May each moment of time the three of you spend together be filled with joy. I'll be thinking of you on October 4th.
ReplyDeleteI love you, Meredith! You strengthen my testimony every time I get on your blog! You are such an amazing person, friend, and mother!
ReplyDeleteAsh
soveryvicki said exactly what I was thinking, so I will just say "amen"
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers. Mike called today to say they were leaving Sunday night/Monday morning to travel out there to be with you at this time. My love goes with them. I told him to hug you for me.
xoxoxox
~a
Very inspiring Mer! I hope everything goes well <3
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